Lecithin Granules

Bulkfoods.com lecithin granules are 97% phospholipids. Often referred to as oil-free lecithin, lecithin granules have essentially all the natural soybean oil removed from them. This is the only form of Lecithin that does NOT contain Lecithin Liquid. Lecithin can be mixed with any foods consumed as a nutritional supplement. It has a mild nutty flavor. One tablespoon of lecithin granules provides about 50% of the new (DRI) Dietary Reference Intake Level for choline. This pure Lecithin is the type we have available, in either granules or powder form. Lecithin GranulesLecithin Powder

Other Types of Lecithin

Granules made of Soy Flour and Liquid Lecithin. (sometimes referred to as Soy Lecithin Granules)

A little liquid lecithin (soy oil containing lecithin) is mixed with soy flour. Basically liquid lecithin (containing only 10% phosphatidylcholine) is added back to the soybean it was extracted from. This product is then extruded and looks like a small rabbit pellet about the size in diameter of a cake decorating sprinkle. It contains only 3% phosphatidylcholine.

Note to the savvy consumer: Real lecithin granules contain NO protein at all. If Protein is listed as an ingredient on the label, you are looking at an imitation product made from soy flour and liquid lecithin. The ingredient statement for REAL lecithin granules is naturally simple: Lecithin. Don't be mislead by this product.

Liquid Lecithin (soy oil containing lecithin)

This is the first form of lecithin, it has a 37% triglyceride level. The oil part! It containsonly 10% of the essential phosphatidylcholine, the lecithin part. Many people with high cholesterol also have high triglyceride levels and do best to supplement their diets with lecithin granules without the high triglyceride levels of liquid lecithin.

Lecithin Capsules (soy oil containing lecithin)

These contain lecithin liquid. Most contain only 10% of the essential nutrientphosphatidylcholine. One tablespoon of lecithin granules provides the same amount of choline as 10 large soft gel lecithin capsules (30 small size), and provides about 50% of the new DRI. It is important to remember that these have a 37% triglyceride level.

Lecithin Tablets

If made of pure lecithin you would need to consume 20 to 60 tablets to get 100% of the recommended Dietary Reference Intake of choline. Central Soya (now Solae) has determined through lab tests that pure lecithin tablets will not dissolve and be assimilated by the body. To put lecithin in a tablet form the tablet must contain a high percentage of dispersants. This increases the amount of tablets needed to consume for your full recommended Dietary Reference Intake of Choline.

Lecithin is a natural occurring food.

Lecithin is a naturally-occurring group of phospholipids that's found in nearly every living cell. Though the word lecithin is derived from the Greek "lekithos", which means "yolk of an egg," the primary commercial source of lecithin comes from the soybean. It is commonly referred to as soya or soy bean lecithin.

Lecithin Information

Nutrition Overview

One of the many healthful components of soybeans, lecithin and its primary component, choline, are believed to play essential roles in

cardiovascular health,

liver and cell function,

fat transport,

reproduction and child development,

physical performance during endurance activities,

cell-to-cell communications (cell signaling),

possibly in memory.

In fact, the science on lecithin and choline nutrition is so compelling for long term health that it is now established that choline is an essential nutrient.

Nutritionists define an essential nutrient as a substance required but not made in adequate amounts by the body. Therefore, it must be obtained from the diet. Proof that a nutrient is essential usually involves showing a deficiency disease when the nutrient is withheld from the diet. For example, humans can make some niacin but not enough to prevent pellagra. Therefore, niacin is an essential nutrient for humans and must be obtained from our diet.Science Daily Research News.

Where Does Lecithin Come From?

Lecithin can be found in a wide variety of foods. Nature puts it there as a natural emulsifier. Unfortunately, many of the richest sources of lecithin are also high in cholesterol and fat. For example, egg yolks and meats are good sources of lecithin. Grains, fruits and vegetables are much poorer sources. Because many people have decreased consumption of fatty foods, their intake of lecithin may be inadequate. Technical Specifications(pdf)Lecithin is also used in foods and in industry because it has very special properties. Did you know that over 99% of the lecithin used commercially comes from soybeans?

The lecithin is removed from soybean oil by injecting the oil with water, and then separating the lecithin-water mixture from the oil in a centrifuge (like the spin cycle in your washing machine), and drying the lecithin.

Choline Recommended Dietary Allowances

For the first time, the Food and Nutrition Board, the group within the National Academy of Sciences that sets Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for vitamins and minerals, has officially recognized the substance choline as an important nutrient.

On April 7, 1998 the Board announced new Dietary Reference Intake levels (DRI) of choline and a number of B vitamins. The Board recommends 425 mg of choline daily for adult women and 550 mg for adult men. Because of a high requirement for choline in growing fetuses and infants, they recommend intakes of 450 and 550 mg for pregnant and lactating women, respectively.

The Board's report comments on the role of choline in liver and heart health, pregnancy and child development, exercise and other health issues.

Why All The Interest In Lecithin?

Lecithin is the main source of choline in the diet occurring widely in a variety of foods. Unfortunately, the richest sources of lecithin also tend to be high in fat and cholesterol, such as eggs and organ meats. Lecithin is the best and most bio-available way to get choline! In fact, taking granular lecithin provides a "timed release" form of choline, raising blood choline levels higher and for longer periods of time than equivalent amounts of choline chloride or other choline salts. Lecithin GranulesLecithin Powder